Chelsea now favourites to sign £13m Brazilian wanted by Barcelona & Bayern Munich

Chelsea are now the favourites to sign a Brazilian ace who’s also wanted by Barcelona and Bayern Munich, and a deal could be possible for a low fee.

Blues targeting another exciting Brazilian amid Estevao success

Estevao is enjoying an impressive debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, having established himself as an important player for the Blues, with the 18-year-old recently netting the second goal in the 3-0 Champions League rout of Barcelona.

It is clear to see the youngster has left an impression on Enzo Maresca too, with the manager saying: “I feel very lucky to be his coach because it’s exciting, you can enjoy. I’ve said many times that I think the fans pay for their tickets to see players like Cole [Palmer], like Estevao, this kind of player.”

The forward is an example of BlueCo’s recruitment policy of signing younger players paying off, and they are now looking to bring in another up-and-coming Brazilian ace, who has impressed the west Londoners’ sporting directors.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Chelsea are now the favourites to sign Santos defender Souza, despite rival interest from both Bayern Munich and Barcelona, with both European heavyweights already making contact over a potential deal.

The signing of the 19-year-old certainly wouldn’t break the bank at around just €15m (£13m), with the Blues looking to get the move over the line before his value increases considerably.

There is a belief the youngster could go on to become a top full-back or even left-winger, given that he is a very well-rounded player, who is also capable of contributing on the front foot.

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ByDominic Lund Nov 30, 2025 Souza emerging as key player for Santos

The teenager has already made 36 appearances for Santos at senior level, having established himself as an important player, and he has regularly impressed from an attacking point of view, chipping in with one goal and four assists.

Most recently, the starlet helped his side keep a clean sheet as they recorded a routine 3-0 victory over Sport Club do Recife, receiving a 7.7 SofaScore match rating courtesy of making a number of important defensive contributions.

Souza’s key statistics

Number completed

Duels (won)

9 (6)

Key passes

2

Clearances

3

Interceptions

2

With Souza yet to prove himself outside his native Brazil, he would very much be one for the future, and the aforementioned report makes it clear BlueCo are planning to loan the left-back to sister club Strasbourg initially.

During the January transfer window, it may be a better idea to focus on signing players capable of making an immediate impact, with a title race potentially on the cards, and amid Liam Delap’s slow start to life at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have now joined the race to sign “one of the best strikers in Europe”.

William Saliba & Leandro Trossard major doubts for Arsenal's London derby clash with Brentford as Mikel Arteta delivers 'desperate' Kai Havertz injury update

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that William Saliba and Leandro Trossard are major doubts for a London derby meeting with Brentford on Wednesday night. Both players missed the Gunners' 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the weekend. Arteta also delivered updates on Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes as they remain in the treatment room with more serious knocks.

Summer signings set to step up again

Saliba’s omission from the matchday squad at Stamford Bridge on Sunday raised eyebrows, but Arteta explained that the France international had suffered a knock during training on the eve of the draw with Chelsea. With centre-back partner Gabriel also sidelined, Arteta turned to an improvised pairing of summer signings Pierro Hincapie and Christhian Mosquera, who are likely to remain in the starting XI for Brentford's visit to the Emirates.

AdvertisementGettySaliba facing 'days, not weeks' on sidelines

After running tests on Monday, Arsenal determined that Saliba remains short of fitness and is a doubt to feature at the Emirates on Wednesday. Arteta described the injury as another puzzling episode, comparing it to the ankle problem that forced the defender to miss several matches back in August.

"He had a little niggle, so I think it’s going to be a matter of days, so let’s see if he’s able to be there tomorrow," he said. "Well, the ankle one, it was a really random and a very unlucky action that kept him out for a few weeks. He tried at Anfield, he wasn't comfortable, and he had to stay away and this one as well, very bizarre. But hopefully it will be a matter of days."

Trossard will also miss the midweek fixture after limping off in the Champions League win over Bayern Munich last week. Further tests conducted on Friday confirmed a minor calf problem, but Arteta also expects the Belgian winger to be available again in a few days.

Arteta also shared a heartfelt assessment of Havertz’s ongoing recovery. The German forward, who underwent a minor knee procedure in August, has endured a stop-start calendar year marked by a hamstring injury late last season and fresh complications during pre-season.

"We are all desperate to have him," he said. "I mean, it is a player that, personally, I love so much for what he brings to the team – his character, his personality. I see him suffer, being outside. Matter of weeks; let’s see how it evolves in the next few weeks. He’s doing really well, he’s doing stuff on the pitch, but I think he needs some time."

Gabriel, another long-term absentee, is continuing his rehabilitation from a thigh injury. Arteta has offered encouragement, saying the Brazilian centre-half is "doing very well", though the medical team still estimates a recovery period of several weeks.

"Big Gabi is doing very well as well, but that’s weeks as well," he said. 

Will Rice or Timber be rotated?

The cluster of defensive injuries has prompted questions about whether players such as Declan Rice or Jurrien Timber should be rested, given their heavy workloads in recent weeks. Arteta, however, defended his selection philosophy, saying he always prioritises fielding the strongest available side.

"We try to manage every case, every individual in relation to how they feel in the context of the matches, adjust with the only purpose to have the best options on the best pitch and to be better than the opponent, that’s it," he said. 

"Our motivation comes from preparation and how we prepare for every game to try to be better than the opposition. Where we are in the league and what we are doing, I don’t think we need any more motivation than that."

Reflecting on the season’s injury turbulence, Arteta said the team has had to navigate several unexpected blows. Losing Trossard when he was hitting his stride, reintegrating [Gabriel] Martinelli gradually, and then coping with Saliba’s late withdrawal at Chelsea have forced players into unfamiliar roles.

"Especially how we lost them [the injuries] with Leo as well, because Leo was in a great moment, and Gabi Martinelli was just coming back, and we had to manage his minutes," he said. "He wasn't able to play more than he did on Sunday. So, managing that, the fact that obviously Willy trained the day before, and then he was uncomfortable, players are not training in certain positions, having to play there. But again, the attitude towards it and the way the players are performing and giving absolutely everything they can to fulfil those absences, it's been the key part of the season because we have to deal with a lot already."

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GettyGyokeres and Odegaard ready to start

Viktor Gyokeres, who made an appearance from the bench at Chelsea after recovering from a muscle injury suffered in the 2-0 win over Burnley, is expected to be fit enough to start on Wednesday. Meanwhile, captain Martin Odegaard, who has not started a match since damaging his MCL in early October, is also ready to rejoin the starting XI after making substitute appearances against Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

Sunderland now eyeing move to sign midfield ace who Chelsea wanted to sign

Sunderland have now reportedly set their sights on signing a Ligue 1 midfielder, who could yet arrive as a free agent when his current contract expires next summer.

Le Bris: Man City "deserved" win on "difficult" Sunderland day

It shows where Sunderland are at that many expected them to put up more of a fight against Manchester City at the Etihad. Ultimately, however, not even their impressive form could stand in the way of the familiar fate that so many promoted sides have faced in the last nine years.

The Black Cats were pushed aside by the Citizens and manager Regis Le Bris admitted that it was a “difficult” afternoon against Pep Guardiola’s side.

Those in Wearside don’t have time to think too much about their thrashing in Manchester, however, with the first Tyne-Wear derby in the Premier League since 2016 fast approaching.

Victory over Newcastle United would cap off a sensational start to their Premier League return, which has left them in the perfect position to attract further arrivals in January.

The Black Cats have already been linked with moves for the likes of Bailey Rice following reports that the Rangers youngster could be heading for an Ibrox exit.

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Now, fresh reports have also name-dropped Arthur Avom, as Sunderland set their sights on adding another midfielder to Le Bris’ ranks in 2026.

Sunderland set sights on Avom move

According to Africa Foot, Sunderland are now eyeing a move to sign Avom from FC Lorient with the midfielder set to become a free agent at the end of his current contract next summer.

The 20-year-old does have the option to extend his deal for another year, but Sunderland’s interest could yet put a pin in those plans. What’s more, whilst Strasbourg are also interested in Avom, Le Bris’ links with former club Lorient could yet hand the Black Cats a key advantage against their French competition.

A reported Chelsea target earlier this year, Avom could now get his chance to join the Premier League courtesy of Sunderland. He’s certainly one to watch based on the numbers too. Back in November, the midfielder was even enjoying better passing numbers than Real Madrid’s Arda Guler.

Better than Xhaka: Sunderland flop is one of "the best" in the PL after leaving

Bruno 2.0: Man Utd accelerate talks to sign “best CM prospect in the world”

It might not have been vintage Bruno Fernandes this season, yet, even so, the Manchester United skipper is still the heartbeat of Ruben Amorim’s side, as was evident again on Monday night.

Up against an undoubtedly poor Wolverhampton Wanderers side, the 31-year-old was arguably the deciding factor, netting twice himself, while providing a delicious assist for Mason Mount to convert for United’s third.

Two missed penalties earlier in the campaign may have highlighted a drop in standards, although Fernandes still ranks third in the Premier League for goals and assists in 2025/26, while leading the way again for chances created (45).

The hope will be that the Portugal star can replicate last season’s heroics, which saw him overcome a slow start – having failed to score until Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim appointment – before going on to rack up 38 goals and assists in all competitions.

Suitable for a midfield two or not, the ex-Sporting CP playmaker remains so influential to United’s fortunes – but what will happen if the club are left to make do without him?

Latest on Man Utd's search for a midfielder

It’s worth noting that Fernandes, speaking ahead of his 300th United appearance earlier this season, gave no suggestion that he was angling for a move away from Old Trafford, having openly discussed the decision to turn down a move to Saudi side Al Hilal over the summer.

Nor, however, did the £300k-per-week sensation completely shut down the topic of his long-term future, having relayed that he won’t discuss any potential plans until after the World Cup, with just 18 months left to run on his existing deal.

There have been suggestions that INEOS could even look to cash in on their talisman in order to help fund a midfield overhaul in 2026, with potential replacements seemingly being eyed up.

With that in mind, reports in Spain have claimed that the Red Devils are among the clubs pursuing a move for Real Madrid sensation, Arda Guler, with both Arsenal and Liverpool also in the frame.

The report suggests that United have already ‘accelerated initial contacts’ regarding a possible swoop, with the 20-year-old’s ‘versatility’ noted as a selling point for Amorim and co.

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Whether the LaLiga giants would be willing to sell the Turkish starlet remains to be seen, although prior reports indicate he could command a fee of around £88m.

Why Guler could be the perfect successor to Fernandes

It was a moment that epitomised the genius of Bruno Fernandes.

Picking the ball up just outside the Wolves box, the midfielder – who had been sent off at Molineux just over a year ago – had the vision and the quality to pick out Mount with a stunning dinked pass, building on the two inventive assists he produced at Selhurst Park late last month.

Even when not at his free-flowing best, the majestic talent can still unlock a defence in an instant, possessing the type of creative quality that few can match across the global game.

Finding a successor to such a figure thus appears almost impossible, if not improbable, yet Guler would be a more than worthy option, having been hailed as the “best CM/AM prospect in world football right now” by writer Neal Gardner.

That praise is not without merit, with Como’s Nico Paz the only attacking midfielder under the age of 21 to have registered more goals and assists (ten) than Guler in Europe’s top five leagues this season, as per Transfermarkt.

A key beneficiary of Xabi Alonso’s arrival at the Bernabeu, the rising star has already chalked up ten goals and assists in 22 games in all competitions this term, the same number of goal involvements that Fernandes has achieved back in Manchester.

Like Fernandes, the former Fenerbahce man has the flexibility to flourish in a more advanced role, or on the flanks, although he has blossomed in a slightly deeper role of late, averaging 2.3 key passes per game and creating eight ‘big chances’ in LaLiga this season, as per Sofascore.

For context, back at United, Fernandes has created seven ‘big chances’, albeit while averaging three key passes per game, with the pair both representing the creative hubs for their respective sides.

Interestingly, too, the Red Devils skipper is noted as the fifth most similar midfielder to Guler across Europe’s top five leagues, with regard to their stylistic and statistical likeness, as per FBref, further reinforcing why the Madrid man could fill that possible void in Amorim’s future side.

Fernandes vs Guler – Key stats

Stat (per 90)

Fernandes

Guler

Non-penalty goals

0.18

0.20

Assists

0.31

0.41

Shot-creating actions

6.40

6.08

Pass completion

76.3%

85.4%

Progressive passes

9.67

7.91

Progressive carries

2.18

2.00

Successful take-ons

0.71

1.06

Touches in opposition box

2.65

2.94

Prog passes received

3.45

5.43

Stats via FBref

As indicated above, the pair – across the last 365 days – have enjoyed a particularly similar record with regard to assists, shot-creating actions, progressive passes and progressive carries per 90, all key attributes for a playmaking midfielder in their pomp.

In truth, United have rarely seen a side without Fernandes in it, such is his remarkable reliability and availability, although if the day comes where he opts to move on to pastures new, Guler must surely be at the top of the list with regard to replacements.

Prising him from the Spanish capital might not be easy, although with Alonso’s place at Los Blancos seemingly under threat, now could be the time to pounce.

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All-round Gardner sparks Sixers to another win

Both Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars are currently on 11 points, only behind Hobart Hurricanes

AAP03-Dec-2025

Ash Gardner starred with three wickets after scoring a fifty•Getty Images

Less than a fortnight after Sydney Sixers were mauled by Melbourne Stars, they have won the return bout to continue their late-season WBBL surge.Ash Gardner starred with her highest score in the league for more than two years, as well as taking three wickets, in the 16-run win on Wednesday at Drummoyne Oval. The Sixers improved to equal-second in the standings with Stars, and have a game in hand.On November 20, Stars great Meg Lanning unleashed a batting masterclass against Sixers, and her 135 remains the top score of the season. But since that heavy loss, Sixers are on a three-game winning streak, with one no-result. By contrast, Stars have lost their past two matches to fall three points behind top side Hobart Hurricanes.After Sixers won the toss on Wednesday, Gardner headlined their innings with a quickfire 50 from 31 balls, featuring seven fours and two sixes. It was her highest WBBL score since October 2023.Maia Bouchier’s 67 went in a losing cause•Getty Images

Opener Sophia Dunkley contributed 41 and Sixers reached a healthy 164 for 5.Stars looked shot when Gardner trapped Lanning lbw for just eight, leaving them 30 for 4.Enter Maia Bouchier, playing her first game of the WBBL season as a replacement for Marizanne Kapp. Bouchier combined with Kim Garth for a fifth-wicket stand of 82 that put Stars back in the hunt.After Gardner dismissed Garth for 17, Dani Gibson immediately hit three fours and suddenly the pressure was on Sixers.Stars were 131 for 5 in the 18th over when Bouchier rifled a low drive off Mady Villiers and Lauren Cheatle took an outstanding catch at cover. With Bouchier out for a match-high 67 from 40 balls, and Gibson dismissed in the next over for 17, Sixers could breathe again.Stars reached 148 for 8 as Gardner snared 3 for 31 from four overs.Sixers will close out the regular season against Melbourne Renegades and Adelaide Strikers, while Stars will play Sydney Thunder.

Clayton Kershaw Shared Sweet Moment With Family After Dodgers’ World Series Win

It was an emotional night all around for Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw.

Not only did he capture his second World Series title, but his MLB career officially came to an end as he’s set to retire from baseball after the season. What a way to go out.

As the Dodgers were celebrating their World Series title on the field at Rogers Centre, Kershaw’s family ran out to tackle him with hugs. Kershaw’s wife Ellen and their four children all shared hugs with the 37-year-old pitcher, and they celebrated by jumping up and down and clapping for him. The sweet moment is now going viral on social media, understandably.

The celebrations continued for the three-time Cy Young award winner after this moment as he got to lead his team of 18 seasons in their champagne celebration in the locker room.

“It’s an absolute honor to be in this clubhouse with you guys,” Kershaw said. “I love every single one of you. I can’t imagine a better way to go out than to pop bottles with this group of guys. We’re back-to-back champs!”

The entire postseason was emotional for Kershaw. He said goodbye to his Dodger Stadium after Game 5 of the World Series, which the Dodgers lost 6-1. He had a heartwarming moment with his family on the field then, too. It’s clear Kershaw’s family means a lot to him.

Kershaw only pitched in 2.1 innings during the Dodgers’ postseason run this year. He appeared briefly in one inning during the marathon Game 3 of the World Series that went to 18 innings. In his two playoff game appearances, he gave up six hits, four earned runs and two home runs.

Abre o olho, Imortal! Conheça os possíveis cenários do Grêmio na Libertadores

MatériaMais Notícias

O próximo adversário do Grêmio na Libertadores será o Estudiantes, e essa partida pode definir o rumo do Imortal na Libertadores. Já classificado para a próxima fase, o Imortal agora vive a expectativa da luta pelo primeiro ou segundo lugar em seu grupo. Saiba os cenários para o Tricolor Gaúcho!

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Liderança e confronto contra do Grêmio contra o Penarol

Para passar em primeiro, a conta é simples: uma vitória já garante o Imortal no topo, já que a equipe iria alcançar os 12 pontos e ultrapassaria o The Strongest. Nessa hipótese, o adversário nas oitavas seria o Penarol-URU.

Segunda colocação e duelo contra o Fluminense

Para ficar em segundo, o Imortal tem a seguinte conta: um empate ou derrota contra o Estudiantes, fazendo o Grêmio chegar aos nove pontos, mas com mesmo saldo que os bolivianos. Nesse cenário, o adversário seria o Fluminense, que passou em primeiro em seu grupo.

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"أصبح متهورًا".. هالاند يسخر من كاراجر بسبب محمد صلاح

سخر النرويجي إيرلينج هالاند، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي مانشستر سيتي من جيمي كاراجر، محلل قنوات “سي بي إس” البريطانية واصفًا إياه بأنه متهور.

جاءت تصريحات هالاند بعد فوز مانشستر سيتي على ريال مدريد بهدفين مقابل هدف في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

كان صلاح قد خرج بعد انتهاء مباراة ليدز يونايتد بالدوري الإنجليزي وتحدث لوسائل الإعلام وفتح النار على الجميع، وعلى رأسهم مدربه آرني سلوت، بسبب جلوسه على دكة البدلاء لثلاث مباريات متتالية.

بعد تلك التصريحات، انهالت على صلاح تعليقات اللاعبين القدامى والمحللين الإنجليز وانتقدوا حديثه بشدة وعلى رأسهم جيمي كاراجر.

وبحسب ليفربول إيكو، هالاند مزاح جيمي كاراجر، واصفًا إياه بأنه “شخص متهور” بعد رد فعل لاعب ليفربول السابق الشديد على تصريحات محمد صلاح الغاضبة.

اقرأ أيضًا | تليجراف: “لحماية نفسه”.. ليفربول لن يودع محمد صلاح في مباراة برايتون

وقال هالاند: “أشعر بالتوتر لوجود جيمي كاراجر في الأستوديو! وبعد أن ضحك الجميع في الاستوديو، رد كاراجر قائلًا، لا داعي للتوتر يا إيرلينج، لا تتوتر”.

ثم سُئل هالاند عن اللاعب الذي يُفضله بين كاراجر وأنطونيو روديجر لاعب ريال مدريد، أجاب: “أعتقد أنني سأختار روديجر الآن لأن كاراجر أصبح متهورًا بعض الشيء”، في إشارة منه إلى الانتقادات العنيفة التي قالها بحق محمد صلاح.

بعد أن ناقش هالاند وريتشاردز ظهور المهاجم في بودكاست Rest is Football هذا الأسبوع، سأل كاراجر مهاجم السيتي عما إذا كان سيظهر في البودكاست الذي يقدمه Stick To Football، إلى جانب روي كين، الذي تربطه علاقة تاريخية بوالد هالاند.

في ضوء ذلك، أتم: “أعني جيمي كاراجر في هذه اللحظة وروي كين، أعتقد أنني بحاجة إلى إحضار والدي”.

Shohei Ohtani Fires Up Dodgers Fans With Speech in English During Championship Parade

Shohei Ohtani got the Dodger faithful going on Monday and he did so with a rare speech in English.

The soon-to-be four-time MVP took the microphone and addressed L.A. fans at Dodger Stadium before the conclusion of the team’s World Series victory parade. Ohtani did not use an interpreter and instead spoke in English. He also set an ambitious goal for his team in 2026.

“Hello, hello. I want to say I am so proud of this team, and I want to say you guys are the greatest fans in the world,” Ohtani said. “And I’m ready to get another ring next year. Let’s go.”

Not surprisingly, the packed crowd went wild. We already knew Ohtani was looking forward to next season, but he threw down the gauntlet for his teammates in a big way.

In 2025, the Dodgers became the first team to win back-to-back World Series titles since the Yankees did it in 2000. Those Yankees were also the last team to do it three times in a row, as they won in 1998, ’99, and 2000. L.A. would have to match them again to satisfy Ohtani’s wish for another ring next season.

Only two franchises have produced three or more consecutive World Series titles. The Yankees have done it on three occasions, from 1936 to ’39, 1949 to ’53, and the aforementioned 1998-2000 stretch. The then-Oakland A’s did it once, from 1972 to ‘74.

Shohei Ohtani’s World Series numbers

The Dodgers beat the Blue Jays in a thrilling seven-game battle to win the 2025 World Series despite their offense sputtering.

Ohtani was up and down in the postseason, but thanks to a historic performance in Game 3, his numbers look phenomenal. He finished the series going 9-for-27 (.333), with three home runs, three doubles, five RBIs, six runs scored, and nine walks. He produced a wRC+ of 224 and an OPS of 1.278.

The 31-year-old is the overwhelming favorite to win his second straight NL MVP award, as he finished the 2025 season slashing .282/.392/.622, with 55 home runs, and 102 RBIs. He also made 14 starts on the mound, he went 1-1, with a 2.87 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, and 62 strikeouts against nine walks in 47 innings.

If anyone can help L.A. match the Yankees, it’s the guy most often compared to Babe Ruth.

Smith: England's all-out pace may not be ideal Ashes attack

Steve Smith has hinted England’s pace battery could be the wrong form of attack for the Ashes, believing nibbling seamers would pose a bigger threat on Australia’s lively pitches.England have arrived for the summer with their quickest bowling line-up this century, with almost the entire cartel able to reach in excess of 145kph/90mph.Spearheaded by Mark Wood and Jofra Archer, the tourists also have Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse as support acts alongside captain Ben Stokes.Related

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It’s a far cry from England’s usual attack in Australia, with the now-retired James Anderson and Stuart Broad long relying on swing and seam.And despite the hype around England’s quicks, Smith believes the tourists’ timing could be off and a more traditional seamer would be tougher to face on current wickets.”Those sort of nibblers can be quite tricky,” Smith, who will captain Australia in Perth, said. “So they might have got things the wrong way around, if that makes sense, in terms of the pace from previous years.”But obviously they’ve got those guys at their disposal now. They probably weren’t fit, ready or old enough a few years back.”Anderson’s Test career was brought to an end in 2024 when he was given a farewell outing against West Indies and Broad retired during the final Test of the 2023 Ashes.Chris Woakes dislocated his shoulder in the final Test against India in early August which ended his Ashes hopes and he has since retired from international cricket.Steven Smith has been in excellent from ahead of the Ashes•Getty Images

Smith joked this week that Australian wickets were now so green they “have branches hanging off them”.Asked directly if it was easier to face all-out pace than seamers on home decks, Smith indicated that was the case.”If you can do both, that’s a good skill,” Smith said. “But sometimes the slower guys are almost harder to play on those wickets where you have to make the pace.”It’s going to be different. But I think we’ve got plenty of players that play fast bowling well, and it’s going to be a good challenge.”Smith’s comments come after Mitchell Starc warned England that it would not be easy for the quicks to charge in all summer, given the harder surfaces in Australia.Smith will enter the series in form, with scores of 118, 57 and 56 not out in his three Sheffield Shield innings for New South Wales. Fresh off a six-week break in New York ahead of the summer, Smith said almost upon landing back home he would need a few hits to find his rhythm.That form is now undeniable, even if he briefly “lost his hands” while batting for NSW in their 300-run drubbing to Victoria at the SCG.”I felt awful my first 20 runs [on Wednesday],” Smith said. “Lost my hands for a little bit there and then found them back after that, so that was good.”It was more because I was changing bats, trying to figure out which one I like, to be honest. And they all felt a little bit different. I think I’ve settled on one, so it felt good.”But it was nice to just be able to spend some time in the middle, get some rhythm and feel in a good place.”

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